TReating Unhelpful Suspicious Thoughts in Adolescents (TRUST): a School-based Case Series

TReating Unhelpful Suspicious Thoughts in Adolescents (TRUST): a School-based Case Series

The goal of this acceptability and feasibility trial is to identify whether a six-session intervention for suspicious thoughts is feasible and acceptable to school-based adolescents.

The main research question is:

Is it feasible and acceptable to offer a brief imagery and values-based intervention for adolescents experiencing paranoia in schools?

Aims The primary aim of the current study is to identify whether a six-session brief intervention delivered in schools is feasible and acceptable to young people experiencing paranoia. Secondarily, it aims to identify preliminary outcomes of such an intervention on levels of paranoia, as measured by the Revised Green et al., Paranoid Thoughts Scale (R-GPTS).

Participants will be screened for paranoid thoughts and those eligible will be offered a six-session intervention. Participants will be asked to complete various measures prior to and following therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 16+
• Attending participating school
• Low risk
• No current mental health support
• Symptoms of paranoia i.e. scoring above 11 on R-GPTS part B subscales, equating to "moderately severe" paranoia and above

Exclusion Criteria:

• evidence of a primary alcohol or substance dependence issue at initial assessment;
• developmental disability;
• not fluent in English (due to questionnaire validity issues);
• receiving another therapy at the same time;
• moderate to high levels of risk